Positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly

ABSTRACT

An electrical connector and receptacle assembly comprising a receptacle; a plug insert having a receptacle engaging portion having a resilient bend therein; the receptacle engaging portion having forwarding and rearwardly projecting members extending from the bend; means on the plug insert for connecting the connector to an electrical lead; the receptacle having a recess having its walls conforming to the outside surface of the plug insert receptacle engaging portion; and the receptacle recess and plug insert receptacle engaging portion having cooperating detent means, the plug insert means being positioned on at least one of the projecting members.

United States Patent [191 Shlesinger, Jr.

1451 May 28, 1974 l l POSITIVE LOCK ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY [76] Inventor: Bernard Edward Shlesinger, Jr.,

941 l Macklin CL, Alexandria, Va. 22309 [22] Filed: Oct. 7, 1971 [21] Appl. No.2 187,334

[52] US. Cl 339/252 S, 24/230, 339/17 R, 339/19 [51] Int. Cl HOlr 11/22 [58] Field of Search 339/17, 18, 74, 176, 252, 339/256, 258, 273; 24/230 F, 230 SC, 230 CF, 230 SL, 230 B [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 77,068 f lsdsfjvifgeiu' 24/2'30 SL 711,826 10/1902 Collins 24/230 CF 1,957,141 5/1934 Jordan 1 24/230 CF 2,682,038 6/1954 Johnson 339/204 3,051,952 8/1962 Pifer..... 339/252 S X 3,676,833 7/1972 Johnson 339/176 M X FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 303 2/1853 Great Britain 339/252 S 481,867 6/1953 Italy 24/239 SC 222,117 5/1910 Germany 24/230 CF Primary Examiner-Bobby R. Gay

Assistant Examiner-Terrell P. Lewis Attorney, Agent, or FirmShlesinger, Arkwright, Garvey & Dinsmore [57 ABSTRACT An electrical connector and receptacle assembly comprising a receptacle; a plug insert having a receptacle engaging portion having a resilient bend therein; the receptacle engaging portion having forwarding and rearwardly projecting members extending from the bend; means on the plug insert for connecting the connector to an electrical lead; the receptacle having a recess having its walls conforming to the outsidesurface of the plug insert receptacle engaging portion; and the receptacle recess and plug insert receptacle engaging portion having cooperating detent means, the plug insert means being positioned on at least one of the projecting members.

12 Claims, Fig iii'es PATENTEDIAY 28 ran sum 2 [1F 2' B. EDWARD SHLESINGER, JR. If)

POSITIVE LOCK ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND RECEPTACLE ASSEMBLY HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OBJECT AND SUMMARY This invention pertains to plug-type electrical connector and receptacle assemblies in which the connector is secured by positive locking. It further relates to circuit board and multiple connector combinations having the aforementioned positive lock characteristics.

With the advent of electrical circuits in the form of individual modules, there is a great demand for means to rapidly connect and disconnect the modules to and from one another or a source of power. Rapid circuit rearrangement is especially in demand in the computer field and in experimental laboratories. To accomplish these ends, a connector-receptacle combination must be capable of quick connection and disconnection, provide good electrical conductivity between circuit elements, and maintain the connected modules in moderately rigid relationship to each other.

It is an object of this invention to provide a connector capable of rapid connection and disconnection to a receptacle.

It is further an object of this invention to provide a connector and receptacle combination having positive locking means to maintain electrical contact.

It is a further object in this invention to provide a connector which is capable of maintaining two circuit boards in rigid relationship to each other.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector-receptacle combination in which the walls of the receptacle conform to the outside surface of the engaging portion of the connector, thereby providing a secure connection.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector-receptacle combination having good wiping characteristics.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector which can be manufactured rapidly and inexpensively. 1

It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector having multiple contacts which may be simultaneously released, from locking relationship with a connector.

SUM MARY This invention relates to a connector and receptacle combination having the above mentioned advantages and more specifically to a resilient connector adapted for each insertion and release and having positive locking characteristics. The resiliency is achieved by forming a series of bends in a unit of elongated stock having preferably non-ductile characteristics. The means for securing the connector in the receptacle may take on a variety of forms such as a crimp, notch, raised por tion, or hole in the receptacle engaging portion of the connector. The receptacle has detent means cooperating with the receptacle engaging portion of the connector thereby achieving locking.

These and other objects of this invention will be apparent from the following description and claims.

In the accompaning drawings which illustrate by way of example various embodiments of this invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multiple plug insert connector and receptacle showing the connector about to be inserted therein:

FIG. 2 shows the converse embodiment of FIG. 1 in perspective;

FIG. 3 is atop view of a multiple plug insert connector having opposing rows of inserts with an interconnection scheme;

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3 taken along line C-C; and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the invention;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views of various other embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8 through 16 are schematic views of further embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the connector locked in a receptacle;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the connector shown in FIG. 11 locked in a receptacle and illustrating pertinent dimensional characteristics.

Referring now in detail to the drawings:

FIGS. 1 THROUGH 4 Circuit board Y is constructed of a nonconductive material such as plastic, wood, or the like. Positioned on the circuit board Y is a printed circuit 4 interconnecting various circuit elements (not shown) and terminating in a series of terminals 6. These terminals 6 are in electrical contact with a series of conductive posts 8 which are in turn connected to a conductive bar 10. The bar 10 runs transversely in recess 12 formed in circuit board Y to receive multiple insert connector 14.

Connector 14 comprises a base 16 having arms 18 bent or crimped tightly about an electrical lead 20. Lead 20 may or may not be in electrical contact with base 16. Attached to or integral with base 16 is a series of plug inserts 22 made of resilient material and having resilient bends 24 and 26 therein which define legs 28 and 30 and locking leg 32. Positioned on locking leg 32 is a recess or crimp 34 which cooperates with bar 10 to form a detent locking combination when insert 22 is positioned in recess 12. The resilient nature of plug insert 22 urges the outside surface of leg 30 against the lower wall 36 of recess 12 and the outside surface of leg 32 against the upper wall 38 of recess 12. This same resilient force will lock the plug insert 22 in place by urging the recess 34 to enclose bar 10 thereby preventing any movement of the connector in a direction parallel to the bore axis of the recess 12. Since locking leg 32 is urged against bar 10 while it is being inserted, good wiping of the contact area of bar 10 is achieved. In addition to resilient locking, any attempts to pull insert 22 from recess 12 will effect positive locking due to the wedge-shaped configuration of legs 30 and 32. Release is achieved by downward force on release portion 40 thereby moving bar 10 and recess 34 out of cooperative locking.

FIG. 2 shows the converse embodiment of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1. A series of plug inserts 42 are individually connected to circuit board Y and to each of a series of electrical circuits 44 by a post or lead 46. Attached to the release portion 48 of each locking leg 50 is a release bar 52 which will release the plug insert 42 simultaneously when moved in a downward direction. Multiple insert receptacle 54 is adapted to receive the aforementioned inserts in recess 55 having conductive bar 56 disposed therein. Bar 56 and recesses 57 cooperate to achieve locking in a fashion similar to that arrangement shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a multiple connector 58 having a series of plug inserts 60 in back to back relationship. The inserts 60 are joined together by and integral with a central strip 62; both the plug inserts 60 and central strip 62 are made of an electrically nonconductive material such as a resilient plastic. Connected to one end of the central strip 62 are a pair of attaching arms 64 which are clamped to electrical lead 66. In the example shown lead 66 is the type which carries a plurality of insulated wires 68 each having electrical conductors 70 therein. A printed circuit 72 is carried by the top surface of the locking leg 74 of each of the plug inserts 60. The printed circuit 72 is connected to the locking legs 74 by soldering or by clamping (not shown) or other similar means. Recesses 76 or grooves are provided for locking purposes as previously described in the embodiment of FIG. 1. Various interconnection schemes are possible between one or more of the plug inserts by connecting their respective printed circuits with additional wires 78.

FIG. 4 shows cross section a multiple insert connector 80 connecting two circuit boards 82 and 84 having bores or recesses 86 and 88 respectively. Circuit board 82 has a conductive terminal 90 positioned thereon and in electrical contact with an electrical circuit (not shown) carried by the circuit board 82. Additionally the terminal 90 is in electrical contact with conductive detent bar 92 which extends below the upper wall 94 of recess 86. It will be obvious that bars 92 can be metal or plastic conductive rods or may be projections or protuberances molded or otherwise formed in the boards Y or 82 and 84 which would be printed or coated conductively etc.

Circuit board or receptacle 84 similarly carries a conductive terminal 96 which may be printed on the outside surface of the circuit board 84 and the upper wall of recess 88. The terminal 96 is in electrical contact both with an electrical circuit (not shown) and detent means 100 which may be a bar extending longitudinally in recess 88 or, alternatively, a rib or lead of conductive material extending below the upper recess wall 98. A hole 102 has been drilled through terminal 96 and circuit board 82 to accommodate an appropriate tool, such as a nail, pin, awl etc. (not shown) to effect re lease of the connector.

. Connector 80 comprises two plug inserts 104 and 106 integral with one another and each having two resilient bends 108 and 110 therein. Bends 108 and 110 define two legs 112 and 114 extending from central portion 116 at obtuse angles. Two additional bends 118 and 120 define locking legs 122 and 124 extending from legs 112 and 114 at acute angles. When the plug inserts I04 and 1-06 are positioned in their respective recesses 86 and 88, the locking legs 122 and 124 are substantially parallel to the bore axis of the recesses 86 and 88.

Release of the plug insert 104 from the locking position may be achieved by downward movement of the portion 126 of locking leg 122 which extends from the recess 86. Insertion of a tool or pin etc. (notshown) into and through hole 102 allows for moving locking leg 124 downward to release plug insert 106. In order to release the connector from the locking position, sufficient movement of the locking legs 122 and 124 to urge crimps 128 and 130 out of cooperative locking engagement with detent means 92 and 100 is necessary.

FIGS. 5 THROUGH 7 FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of the connector co mprising two flat electrically conductive strips 132 and 134 which are integral with each other and define an acute angle at their juncture. Connected to, or integral with, strip 134 is a circular connector 136 having a slot 138 therein and adapted for securing an electrical conductor or lead (not shown). Positioned on the outside surface of strip 132 is a hole 140 which cooperates with a corresponding projection in the walls of an appropriate receptacle to effect the locking of the connector in a receptacle in a manner similar to that previously described.

A further modification of the connector is shown in FIG. 6 and is similar to the one shown in FIG. 5. Conductive strips 142 ad 144 are integral with each other and define an acute angle at their point ofjuncture thus providing a hinge spring action. Connector means 146 is attached to or integral with strip 144 and has a slot 148 therein which allows it to be tightly clamped around an electrical lead. Detent or locking means 150, is a crimp or deformation in strip 142 which cooperates with a corresponding raised portion or bar on the recess wall of an appropriate receptacle.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 is basically similar in construction to those shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 but using members having substantially circular cross sec tions. Legs 152 and I54 are integral with each other and define a sharp bend at their point of juncture. Attached to or integral with leg 152 is connector 158 which is a hollow cylindrical member capable of receiv ing an electrical lead within its periphery and being crimped down on said lead for securing it thereto. A notch or recess 160 has been cut out of leg 154 and serves as the detent or locking means capable of cooperating with a corresponding raised portion or bar on the recess wall of an appropriate receptacle or circuit board.

An obvious method of manufacturing the connector previously described would be to employ machining and stamping techniques on a single piece of stock. In this manner a large number of connectors could be manufactured rapidly and inexpensively by eliminating the need for joining separate pieces of metal or electrically conductive material.

FIGS. 8 THROUGH 16 FIGS. 8 and 16 show connectors having the detent or locking deformations I62 and 168 on the legs 164 and 170 respectively parallel to the bore axis of a cooperating receptacle. Normally legs 166 and 172 would be adaptable for connection to an electrical lead at their ends by a crimpable sleeve etc. (not shown).

FIGS. 9 and 10 show connectors which have the locking deformation 174 and 176 on legs 178 and 180 which are parallel to the bore axis of the receptacle and are also adaptable for connection to an electrical lead at their ends. In order to release these connectors movement of the legs 178 and 180 toward legs 182 and 184 is necessary.

FIG. 11 shows a connector similar to that shown in FIG. 6 with the exception that the deformation 186 appears as a raised portion on the outside surface of leg 188 instead of a recess.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show conectors which are capable of attachment to electrical leads on legs 190, 192, 194 and 196. Each of these legs have locking deformations 198, 200, 202 and 204 respectively and are suitable for connection to a circuit board of the type shown in FIG. 1 but would be adaptable for carrying two printed circuits on opposing surfaces.

FIG. 14 shows an electrical connector having a locking deformation in the form of a step or surface discontinuity 206 on leg 208 which is at an acute angle to the bore axis of a cooperating receptacle. Leg 210 would normally be adaptable for attachment to an electrical lead.

FIG. 15 is a further embodiment-of the connector having an arcuate bend 212. Leg 214 may be provided which means for clamping or otherwise connecting or soldering an electrical lead thereto.

FIG. 16 shows a still further embodiment of the basic connector design comprising legs 216, 218 and 220 joined together to form substantially a Y configuration. Movement of the connector within receptacle or circuit board 222 is prevented in one direction by shoulder 224 and in the other direction by depression 226 which has been previously described.

FIG. 18

This is an exploded view of a portion of a connector similar to that shown in FIG. 16 which has been inserted into a receptacle 228. A critical factor in the dimensions of a connector of this type is that the distance between legs 230 and 232 (indicated by letter A) must be greater than the width of the detent or locking deformation 234 (indicated by letter B). If distance B is greater than distance A, it will not be possible to. insert the connector into the receptacle nor release it therefrom if somehow positioned therein. Since locking deformation 234 must be moved toward leg 230 a distance sufficient to clear shoulder 236. This distance A between legs 230 and 232 is critical at points below the line indicated by DD and cannot be less than disclosed B.

While the invention has been described in connection with different embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification, and this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention following, in genera], the principles of the invention and including Such departures from the present disclosures has come within known or customary practice in the art which the invention pretains, as to may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth and fall within the scope of the invention for the limits of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

l. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly comprising:

a. a receptacle having an opening having top and bottom inside walls, b. said receptacle opening including contact means therein, c. said receptacle having top and bottom surfaces,

(I. said top inside wall being parallel with said top and bottom surfaces,

c. said bottom inside wall being angularly disposed to said top and bottom surfaces and forming an acute angle with said top inside wall,

f. a plug insert having a U-shaped receptacle opening engaging portion,

g. said portion including a first leg and a second leg,

h. said first leg including means for connecting said connector to an electrical lead,

i. said first leg having a bend therein forming an obtuse angle and providing a forward cam portion and a rearward portion,

j. said rearward portion including connecting means,

k. said second legconnected to said forward portion at an acute angle and being substantially parallel to said rearward portion of said first leg,

I. said plug insert having its forward portion at its second leg in cooperative engagement with said receptacle opening bottom and top inside walls respectively when said plug is inserted into said receptacle opening,

m. said second leg and said top inside wall including cooperating detent lock means, and

n. said second leg including release means for said cooperating detent lock means.

2. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim I and wherein:

a. said receptacle includes a hole for receipt of a release tool for engaging said second leg release means to urge said cooperating detent lock means out of cooperating engagement.

3. A positive lock electrical connector and rceptacle assembly as in claim 1 and wherein:

a. said detent lock means includes a crimp in said second leg and means in said top inside wall cooperating with said crimp.

4. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 3 and wherein:

a. said crimp is a raised portion on said second leg,

and

b. said means in said top inside wall includes a recess for cooperatively engaging said raised portion.

5. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 3 and wherein:

a. said crimp is a recessed portion on said second leg,

and

b. said means in said top inside wall include a bead for cooperatively engaging said recessed portion.

6. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 1 and including:

a. a plurality of said plug inserts, and

b. said plug inserts being interconnected to form a multiple connector.

7. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 6 and wherein:

a. each of said plug inserts includes release means.

8. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 7 and wherein:

a. each of said plug inserts release means includes a release portion extending from the recess.

9. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 7 and wherein:

a. said plug insert release means includes means for simultaneously urging a plurality of said cooperat- 7 8 ing detent lock means out of cooperative locking cle assembly as in claim 10 and wherein: engagefflfinta. said pair of series of inserts comprises a C-shaped 10. A positive lock electrical connector and recepta- Configuration cle assembly as m Clam 6 and wherem: 12. A positive lock electrical connector and receptaa. said plurality of plug inserts includes a pair of se- 5 ries of inserts in back to back relationship, and C18 assfembly m dam and a pair f Said receptacles for Said pair of Series of a. said plurality of plug inserts are interconnected by i t a strip integral with each insert.

11. A positive lock electrical connector and recepta- 

1. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly comprising: a. a receptacle having an opening having top and bottom inside walls, b. said receptacle opening including contact means therein, c. said receptacle having top and bottom surfaces, d. said top inside wall being parallel with said top and bottom surfaces, e. said bottom inside wall being angularly disposed to said top and bottom surfaces and forming an acute angle with said top inside wall, f. a plug insert having a U-shaped receptacle opening engaging portion, g. said portion including a first leg and a second leg, h. said first leg including means for connecting said connector to an electrical lead, i. said first leg having a bend therein forming an obtuse angle and providing a forward cam portion and a rearward portion, j. said rearward portion including connecting means, k. said second leg connected to said forward portion at an acute angle and being substantially parallel to said rearward portion of said first leg, l. said plug insert having its forward portion at its second leg in cooperative engagement with said receptacle opening bottom and top inside walls respectively when said plug is inserted into said receptacle opening, m. said second leg and said top inside wall including cooperating detent lock means, and n. said second leg including release means for said cooperating detent lock means.
 2. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 1 and wherein: a. said receptacle includes a hole for receipt of a release tool for engaging said second leg release means to urge said cooperating detent lock means out of cooperating engagement.
 3. A positive lock electrical connector and rceptacle assembly as in claim 1 and wherein: a. said detent lock means includes a crimp in said second leg and means in said top inside wall cooperating with said crimp.
 4. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 3 and wherein: a. said crimp is a raised portion on said second leg, and b. said means in said top inside wall includes a recess for cooperatively engaging said raised portion.
 5. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 3 and wherein: a. said crimp is a recessed portion on said second leg, and b. said means in said top inside wall include a bead for cooperatively engaging said recessed portion.
 6. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 1 and including: a. a plurality of said plug inserts, and b. said plug inserts being interconnected to form a multiple connector.
 7. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 6 and wherein: a. each of said plug inserts includes release means.
 8. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as iN claim 7 and wherein: a. each of said plug inserts release means includes a release portion extending from the recess.
 9. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 7 and wherein: a. said plug insert release means includes means for simultaneously urging a plurality of said cooperating detent lock means out of cooperative locking engagement.
 10. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 6 and wherein: a. said plurality of plug inserts includes a pair of series of inserts in back to back relationship, and b. a pair of said receptacles for said pair of series of inserts.
 11. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 10 and wherein: a. said pair of series of inserts comprises a C-shaped configuration.
 12. A positive lock electrical connector and receptacle assembly as in claim 6 and wherein: a. said plurality of plug inserts are interconnected by a strip integral with each insert. 